Next-Gen Pre-Order Madness

Various blogs and websites have shown responses varying from luke-warm to “I MUST HAVE THIS!” as to the next generation Xbox and Playstation but you can’t argue the numbers. With close to six months left until their release, the next-gen consoles are selling like hot cakes. Not just through one retailer, but all of the major ones.

Shortly after E3, the flood gates on pre-orders were opened. Just as quickly as major video game hubs announced they would be accepting pre-orders, they reported that they were sold out. With launch day bundles becoming more and more scarce, here’s all that’s been announced so far:

Last week, Gamestop reported that they would no longer be accepting pre-orders for the PS4. Conversely, Best Buy reported the same news about its orders for the Xbox One. The hype for the next-gen consoles is so intense that even Amazon can’t keep up with the demand. They reported huge numbers of pre-orders during E3 2013, detailing some 2,500 pre-orders were coming in every minute. Just recently, Amazon announced that they were sold out of launch day pre-orders of both the Xbox one and PS4. They posted the following statement to the Amazon Video Game Facebook page:

“After a crazy and exciting month, we’ve sold through our initial allocations of PS4 and Xbox One. Thank you to all who have ordered and shared your opinions. We have the Standard Editions for both consoles still available, but we can’t guarantee these at release. Please check back here as we’ll update you first if we receive further release day allocations.”

The high number of pre-orders for the PS4 comes as little surprise considering its effective conference at E3 and sweet price point at $400. After near unanimous dislike for the Xbox one it comes as a total shock to see it being swallowed up so quickly by consumers. It is apparent that a lot of people are looking to be the first in on the next generation of consoles but the speed at which they are being sold is still remarkable.

It looks like the options are limited for those looking to secure a next gen console on launch day. At the current time of publishing, buyers looking for the PS4 and Xbox One will have to pre-order at Gamestop and Best Buy respectively. Pre-orders are still available through Amazon but they cannot guarantee the console’s arrival on launch day.

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Born with a controller in his hand, this guy has grown with the industry that raised him. From 8 bits and beyond, he's slain gods, raced in the Alps, and saved the human race from complete destruction (23 times to be exact), all from the comfort of his cozy black chair. He just recently refinanced the nuclear plant that's powering his command center and won't be stopping any time soon.

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